Accountant

Job Description:

Citizens, Inc. is seeking a highly motivated Staff Accountant with outstanding analytical ability to join our Accounting team. The Staff Accountant will collect and prepare accurate financial information to reconcile with the General Ledger and other reporting. This position will understand and effectively execute accounting processes and controls within the department. The Staff Accountant reports directly to the Manager, Accounting and this position is located at the corporate headquarters in Austin, TX.

Essential Job Duties:

• Prepares journal entries, including prepaid accruals, allocations, amortizations, and reclassifications and other tasks for month-end, quarter-end, or year-end financials close.
• Supports the cash management function by preparing bank reconciliations, EFT processing, as well as reviewing and posting journal entries.
• Performs routine account reconciliations and maintenance-related support files for General Ledger Accounts, partnering with team members to resolve discrepancies.
• Manage unclaimed property validation, reconciliation, and reporting in accordance with state-specific requirements and deadlines.
• Participate in financial system upgrades and process improvement initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with internal controls and company policies.
• Assist in audits by providing documentations and responding to inquiries.
• Perform other job-related duties and projects as needed.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting from an accredited college or university is required.
• Two to five years of work experience in an Accounting role.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite; Microsoft Excel advanced skills required.
• Strong reconciliation (including bank reconciliation) and journal entry preparation experience required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prefer ERP financial systems knowledge and design experience; Oracle Cloud ERP and SOVOS UPExchange a plus.
• Prefer insurance experience.
• Experience with unclaimed property compliance and multi-state reporting.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to meet critical business deadlines and manage multiple priorities.
• Approach challenges with a collaborative mindset, encouraging input and shared solutions.
• Respond positively to changes in regulations, systems, or team dynamics, helping maintain a cohesive work environment.
• Knowledge of escheatment laws and regulations.
• Understanding and knowledge of internal controls and SOX compliance.
• Understanding and knowledge of GAAP accounting principles.
• Knowledge of insurance products is a plus.

Work Environment:

Primarily indoors with heating and cooling regulated in a general office environment. The noise level in the work environment is generally low.

Physical Requirements:

The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

Ability to reach high and low; open, close and retrieve files from file cabinets as well as operate computer keyboard and appropriate office equipment. The position requires the ability to frequently stand, walk, sit for long periods of time, lift up to 15 lbs., open filing cabinets and bend or stand on a stool as necessary.